The Philippines’ national esports program SIBOL on Wednesday announced a stacked roster for the country’s campaign in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan.

The multiplayer online battle arena title will make its debut as a medal event at the continental meet, marking a significant milestone for esports on the international stage. The Philippines enters the competition as a heavy favorite after sweeping all four editions of MLBB in the Southeast Asian Games.

Leading the national team is veteran jungler Karl Nepomuceno, better known as KarlTzy, alongside a core of proven talents: Sanford Vinuya (Sanford) as EXP laner, Jaypee dela Cruz (Jaypee) as roamer, Alston Pabico (Sanji) as midlaner, and Grant Duane Pillas (Kelra) as gold laner.

SIBOL also named a deep coaching staff bannered by head coach Allec Monsseur Alvarado (SN4P) and analyst Kim Sebanes (Daiki), who will serve as key decision-makers following the team’s victory in the SIBOL Requalifiers.

They will be supported by a decorated group of international coaches, including Michael Bocado (Arcadia), a champion coach from MPL Malaysia’s Selangor Red Giants, Francis Glindro (Ducky), a Hall of Legends inductee and two-time M-Series champion, and Paul Miranda (Yeb), a five-time champion in Indonesia.

The final roster was formed after SIBOL was forced to reorganize its selection process. The national team conducted requalifiers after former coach Anthony “YnoT” Senedrin stepped down due to new professional commitments in Indonesia.

YnoT’s squad, ONIC Philippines, had previously topped the November 2025 qualifiers. However, SIBOL opted to hold a new selection tournament to finalize the lineup for the Asian Games.

Esports competitions at the 2026 Asian Games are scheduled from Sept. 23 to Oct. 2, where the Philippines will aim to extend its dominance in MLBB on a larger stage.